In ceremonies attended by more than 7,000 Scientologists and guests from across Italy and Europe, the Church of Scientology Padova was dedicated on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, led the dedication ceremony with local Church officials. City, provincial and national leaders on hand to commemorate the opening included Senator of the Republic of Italy for Veneto, the Honorable Maurizio Saia; Alderman for Security, Immigration and Volunteer Activities for the Province of Padova, Mr. Enrico Pavanetto; and Mayor of Grantorto, Mr. Luciano Gavin.

The Church of Scientology Padova celebrated the opening of their new home, the historic Villa Francesconi-Lanza, on October 27, 2012. The Church fully restored the landmark to serve its ever-growing congregation and extend humanitarian programs to communities across the Veneto region.

On Saturday, October 27, more than 7,000 Scientologists and guests celebrated the grand opening of their new Church. A landmark in Arcella since the 1700s, the historic villa now houses all facilities of a 21st century Ideal Church of Scientology to serve parishioners and the community for decades to come.

In testament to the significance of the new Church, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, led the opening ceremony. In his dedication address, Mr. Miscavige told Padova Church staff and parishioners: “We come to a new inscription on the tablet of Italian history. For today we engrave your pledge to Padova in marble and stone—a pledge to bring our help and the infinite wisdom of L. Ron Hubbard’s technology to this region. It’s an inscription that will never suffer the ravages of time nor turn to dust with the winds of change. For in the same spirit with which you restored this landmark to glory and so built this Church, it is now within your power to restore the glory of life to every community and individual therein.”

Executive Director of the Church of Scientology Padova, Mr. Claudio Zonta, spoke of the restoration of the historical Villa Francesconi-Lanza, “We are very proud to have fully restored this historic landmark. And we owe our permanent gratitude to the highly skilled laborers, architects and artisans of Padova whose devotion to the task was inspiring in itself. But most of all, we are proud to return to Padova a place where everyone can again come together—and where we now devote ourselves to creating a better community for all of Veneto!”

Senator of the Republic of Italy for Veneto, the Honorable Maurizio Saia, said in welcoming the Church: “Through my 40 years in politics, the world hasn’t always changed as I wanted. Here in front of me I see thousands of people that are still actively cherishing their dream to see a better world. I look forward to this Church being a place where the doors are forever opened wide, allowing people to come together and meet freely, think freely, and act freely, no matter their religious belief.”

Province of Padova Alderman for Security, Immigration and Volunteer Activities, Mr. Enrico Pavanetto, acknowledged the Church’s drug prevention work in the province: “I have found that your anti-drug campaign is effective in helping young people to think about why it’s better to have a sane life. I am proud that Padova is the province that promotes the anti-drug message, and I want to thank your initiative with all my heart.”

Grantorto Mayor Luciano Gavin welcomed the Church’s volunteer initiatives to Veneto and particularly their effective disaster response, including to recent earthquakes: “It is emblematic to see the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and the civil protection team from the Scientology community springing to aid. You don’t just sit back watching the news about calamities, commenting how horrible it is, but you demonstrate the will to help. That help is priceless. No matter a person’s political or religious beliefs, I want your initiatives to be done by everyone.”

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion (second from right) dedicated the Church. Among those participating in the ceremony were (left to right): Alderman for Security, Immigration and Volunteer Activities for the Province of Padova, Mr. Enrico Pavanetto; Senator of the Republic of Italy for Veneto, the Honorable Maurizio Saia; and Mayor of Grantorto, Mr. Luciano Gavin.

Church of Scientology Padova
The new home of the Padova Church of Scientology, the historic Villa Francesconi-Lanza, serves the growing congregation across the Veneto region. The Church fully restored the 18th century estate to its original splendor—both to preserve a Venetian cultural landmark and to provide a center where members of all faiths may collaborate on community initiatives.

Church of Scientology Padova
The Church of Scientology Ideal Organization stands in Padova’s northern district of Arcella. The Church fully restored the 18th century historic landmark, returning the Venetian Villa to its original glory.

Reception
The Church welcomes all visitors wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.

Scientology Public Information Center
The Church’s Public Information Center provides a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology—including the beliefs and practices of the religion as well as a biographical presentation on the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center further presents exhibits on the many humanitarian initiatives and social betterment programs the Church sponsors. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the Center’s displays at their leisure and to return as often as they like.

The Chapel
All Scientology congregational services and ceremonies are convened in the Chapel, including Sunday Services open to the community.

The Chapel
The Chapel serves as an ideal venue for banquets, receptions and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Veneto.

Café Lanza
The Café welcomes those touring the Church or attending its many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.

Dianetics and Scientology Bookstore
The bookstore makes available Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s scripture on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy comprises tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages.

Introductory Seminars
One of several Seminar Rooms providing for evening and weekend seminars on the fundamentals of Dianetics and Scientology.

Hubbard Guidance Center
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists participate in auditing (spiritual counseling). Beyond this waiting area are rows of auditing rooms to meet the needs of the Church’s growing congregation.

The Purification Center
L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins, through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in the Purification Center.

The Academy
The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Padova Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.

The Office of L. Ron Hubbard
Traditional in all Churches of Scientology is the Office of L. Ron Hubbard, honoring the religion’s Founder and symbolizing that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.

Church of Scientology Padova
The Church of Scientology’s new home is the historic Villa Francesconi-Lanza in Arcella. The landmark estate was the holiday residence of Padova nobility and has remained a landmark in the city for nearly three centuries. The Church meticulously restored the building to its original splendor and it now stands to serve for the century ahead.

Restoration of the façade included all original Vicenza stone trim and the terra cotta balconies above the entryways to the most historic wing of the villa, which was constructed circa 1744.

Historical features restored on the villa’s façade include the Venetian Gothic window, an architectural element found throughout the region since the style emerged in the 14th century.

Among the original features now preserved in the villa’s oldest quarters are an ornate fresco ceiling and the stone trim framing Palladian-inspired archways.

This original stone doorway, topped by an intricate frieze of Venetian stucco, is exemplary of the villa’s finer details restored and preserved for generations to come.

During the extensive restoration, artisans diligently returned the building’s finest details to their 18th century condition—including this elaborate fresco trim below cornice molding.

Restoration included painstaking work to bring all original detail back to life in this intricate fresco of lilies of the Nile (agapanthus).

The extensive work to restore the villa included preserving the centuries-old brick and wood-beamed ceilings and oak trusses throughout the interior.

Original craftsmanship of Villa Francesconi-Lanza has been carefully preserved, including the hand-painted wooden ceiling. The rosette geometric pattern, dating to the Renaissance and derived from the ancient flower of life, was a typical design found in Venetian villas.

The Church’s restoration also brought the villa into the 21st century, as in the original central stairwell topped by a modern skylight.

PADOVA, ITALY

THOUSANDS CELEBRATE NEW SCIENTOLOGY CHURCH
IN RENOWNED HISTORIC VILLA

Okt. 27, 2012

More than 7,000 Scientologists and their guests gathered from across Italy and Europe to celebrate the grand opening of the Church of Scientology Ideal Organization (Ideal Org) of Padova on Saturday, October 27. Church officials presided over the opening joined by national, provincial and city dignitaries.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, led the dedication ceremony with local Church officials.

The Church’s new home is the historic Villa Francesconi-Lanza in Padova’s northern district of Arcella. Originally constructed circa 1744 for the noble Francesconi family, the villa was expanded upon by heirs and successive owners. In the possession of attorney Carlo Lanza in the mid-20th century, the arcaded veranda served as a gathering place for the entire community. However, by the early 21st century, the estate had stood vacant for several decades, its glory long faded.

The Church of Scientology acquired and meticulously restored Villa Francesconi-Lanza as a symbol of Venetian culture and landmark for all residents of Padova. Working with a team of regional artisans, detailed reliefs, cornices and frescoes were faithfully returned to their 18th century splendor. The extensive work on the villa’s interior further included detailed preservation of original stone paving, terrazzo, and wood-beamed ceilings throughout.

Villa Francesconi-Lanza will now provide Scientology services and once again serve as a community meeting place, open to members of all faiths to collaborate on humanitarian initiatives for the benefit of Veneto.

More than 7,000 Scientologists and their guests gathered from across Italy and Europe to celebrate the grand opening of the Church of Scientology Ideal Organization (Ideal Org) of Padova on Saturday, October 27.

In testament to the significance of the new Church, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, led the dedication ceremony. In his address, he told Padova Church of Scientology staff and parishioners: “We come to a new inscription on the tablet of Italian history. For today we engrave your pledge to Padova in marble and stone—a pledge to bring our help and the infinite wisdom of L. Ron Hubbard’s technology to this region. It’s an inscription that will never suffer the ravages of time nor turn to dust with the winds of change. For in the same spirit with which you restored this landmark to glory and so built this Church, it is now within your power to restore the glory of life to every community and individual therein.”

Among those on hand to welcome Padova’s new Church were Senator of the Republic of Italy for Veneto, the Honorable Maurizio Saia; Alderman for Security, Immigration and Volunteer Activities for the Province of Padova, Mr. Enrico Pavanetto; and Mayor of Grantorto, Mr. Luciano Gavin.

In his salutatory address, Senator of the Republic of Italy for Veneto, the Honorable Maurizio Saia, said: “Through my 40 years in politics, the world hasn’t always changed as I wanted. Here in front of me I see thousands of people that are still actively cherishing their dream to see a better world. I look forward to this Church being a place where the doors are forever opened wide, allowing people to come together and meet freely, think freely, and act freely, no matter their religious belief.”

Province of Padova Alderman for Security, Immigration and Volunteer Activities, Mr. Enrico Pavanetto, acknowledged the Church’s drug prevention work in the province: “I have found that your anti-drug campaign is effective in helping young people to think about why it’s better to have a sane life. I am proud that Padova is the province that promotes the anti-drug message, and I want to thank your initiative with all my heart.”

Grantorto Mayor Luciano Gavin welcomed the Church’s volunteer initiatives to Veneto and particularly their effective disaster response, including to recent earthquakes: “It is emblematic to see the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and the civil protection team from the Scientology community springing to aid. You don’t just sit back watching the news about calamities, commenting how horrible it is, but you demonstrate the will to help. That help is priceless. No matter a person’s political or religious beliefs, I want your initiatives to be done by everyone.”

___________________

The 45,000-square-foot Church of Scientology Padova is open to all who wish an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology. Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour of the expansive Public Information Center, presenting informational and documentary films on the beliefs and practices of Dianetics and Scientology, as well as the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center also provides an overview of the many Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs, including a worldwide human rights initiative; an equally far-ranging drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program now comprising the world’s largest independent relief force. In full, the Center’s multimedia displays present more than 500 films, available at the touch of a button. The Church is open morning to night and visitors are welcome to return as often as they wish.

In addition to congregational services conducted in the chapel, the new Church further includes numerous seminar rooms and classrooms for study, as well as dozens of rooms for Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling).

__________________

The opening of the Church of Scientology Padova follows the opening of a series of Ideal Orgs in 2012, including the new Center of Scientology in Tel Aviv-Jaffa (August 21); the Churches of Scientology of Los Gatos, California (July 28); Buffalo, New York (June 30); Phoenix, Arizona (June 23); Denver, Colorado (June 16); Stevens Creek in San Jose, California (June 9); Orange County, California (June 2); Greater Cincinnati, Ohio (February 25); Sacramento, California (January 28); and Hamburg, Germany (January 21).

Ideal Orgs reflect the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion. They not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom, they are also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift citizens of all denominations.

The Scientology religion was founded by L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.